Finding the dog with the garden fork sticking out of it really "hooked" me. I liked the running stream-of-consciousness story-telling style that the author used to tell this story. Christopher was scads more interesting and even a much more likable character to me than his "normal" parents. I really felt like I was inside of Christopher's head throughout the book. It was a truly fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) place to be. I did have to take off one star for the headache I got trying to figure out some of the math problems! ( )

quirky and insightful`

I enjoyed this book because it sincerely made me think of all the students I have worked with who happened to have Asperger syndrome. I am not a specialist or anything of the sort but Mark Haddon's narrator "Chris" really hit the nail on the head. From my limited view, it really did seem like I was reading a book written by a 15 year old boy with Aspergers. Every time I would turn a page it was like reading something written by one of these students I used to work with. The ability to write from this point of view is ultimately the greatest strength of the book. I knew going in that Mr. Haddon was going to have be very careful about how his character was going to react to situations involving human emotion. I even started looking for parts where he might have slipped up, but the illusion is complete, at least it was for me.
One remarkable part of the book was the journey from Swindon to London. Given Chris' aversion to crowds and abundant stimulus, getting on a train by oneself and figuring out the subway system was obviously harrowing. Mr. Haddon truly had me stressing out over a simple train ride and subway navigation. Through Chris' eyes it really did seem quite intense. It caused me to sympathize greatly with the condition. I started to think about the things that I go through in my every day work life and how that would effect someone with Asperger Syndrome.
I also enjoyed the abundant diagrams and pictorial samples that Mr. Haddon put in the book to help illustrate Chris' way of thinking. The math problems were dutifully intimidating and I loved all the science references. As an atheist I also appreciated Chris' logical take on religion and creationism. I also liked that he called out Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on his wacky spiritualism and ludicrous beliefs, like the Cottingley Faeries.
Lastly, the book as a whole was written as if written by Chris which was a nice touch. The chapters are all prime numbers. Chris refers to the book as the book he is writing. His appendix is added in the background. He added bits to meet the advice of his counselor at school. I thought it added an enjoyable extra layer to the reading experience. Over all a great quick engaging read. ( )

I don't get it - I've heard such wonderful things about this book, and of course, it's included in "the list". I was so disappointed. While this view of the world by Christopher, autistic?, aspherger's?, was certainly interesting and I enjoyed reading it - in the end, it just simplified the complex relationships and issues that had been established throughout the book. The happy endings to all of the angst struck me as ridiculous and false. ( )

Bijzondere kijk op de wereld. Lijkt op Loterij / Patricia Wood ( )